The Unit’s mission is to determine how selected nutrients and other dietary factors with immune-regulatory and anti-oxidant properties modulate immune function and prevent or impede pathogenic inflammation. Scientists in the Unit currently focus on vitamins A and D, carotenoids, fatty acids, selenium and other specific phytonutrients (e.g., quercetin and resveratrol). Research focuses on the anti-inflammatory activities of such compounds because inflammation is a key promoter of many chronic diseases.